Ryan Talonovich is the star of his college hockey team, until an accident during practice leaves him confined to a wheelchair. The doctors say he'll walk again but a new season is already underway and he's been replaced on the team, which leaves him feeling alone and betrayed. What's the use of fighting to get back on the ice now?<br><br>Then he meets Dante Espinosa, a short track skater on the city's speed skating club. Though he has to work overtime to afford his sport, Dante is hell on ice, and dreams of making the cut on the U.S. Olympic Speedskating Team.<br><br>Their love of the ice brings them together, but too many obstacles stand in their way: Ryan's struggle with therapy. The memory of Dante's first boyfriend. Lack of funding to the event, Dante's harassing boss, a skating friend in love with him, and Wil Dietrich, who will do anything to win.

Power Play

Coming up to their van, he winks at Ryan. “Hey yourself.” With a grin at Mrs. Talonovich, he takes Ryan’s backpack from her and throws it over his shoulder, where his own bag rests. “How are you two doing?”


“Fine,” Ryan’s mother says with a laugh—she likes Dante. Ryan wonders how much she’d like him if she knew they were together now. He’s my boy, Mom,Ryan wants to say, but he doesn’t think that’ll go over too well. As far as he knows, his parents don’t know he likes guys. He plans to keep it that way for as long as possible. After this accident, it’s the last thing they need on their minds.


Leaning down over the back of Ryan’s wheelchair, Dante whispers, “And you? Are you doing fine today, too?”


Chapter 34